WORCESTER, Mass. — 'Twas the day before holiday break and all through Chandler Elementary Community School, more than 400 students received a surprise visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

“Oh, it's a great school," said Santa. "They're well-deserving kids.”

“They're very sweet,” said Mrs. Claus.

The school’s principal said the Kringles making the trip from the North Pole has become a tradition thanks to a special connection with their custodian Ron Cousineau.

Classroom by classroom, desk by desk, Santa and Mrs. Claus handed out gloves and toys to all the students from kindergarten to 6^th grade.

“We are just so grateful. They do this because of the kids, and they will say that and we know that's genuine," principal Margaret Murphy said. "They come in; there's music, they pass out gifts to every single student at Chandler. And so, we are just beyond grateful, for their generosity and their spirit. Their holiday spirit.”

“The kids’ reactions are amazing," Mrs. Claus said. "I absolutely love it. It's the part that brings joy, you know, little kids are the reason we have Christmas.”

In addition to the big visit from Santa, Murphy said from their Holiday Concert to decorating just about every inch of the building, everyone at Chandler Elementary pitches in to celebrate the season before the new year.

“The staff really does a great job of making this a special time for the kids at Chandler," Murphy said. "At the end of the day, that's what they do it for. And so, we're grateful.”

This year classes celebrated and learned about traditions of cultures from around the world. As they dash away for break, now they’ll have a fun story to share at home about a visit from the well-known couple in red.

“Just wishing all of our families and Chandler Elementary School community members a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year,” Murphy said.